PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Posted:

14/05/2014 - 13:28

The future of Bedford Blues was the subject of conversation at Goldington Road on Tuesday evening as some of the town’s most prominent business minds were invited to the club.

As mentioned at the AGM in March, local business persons were invited to the club for an informal meal and a chat to discuss a succession plan for when the current chairman, Geoff Irvine, steps down at the end of the 2015/16 season. The meeting was well attended and there was a frank exchange of views.

Now that Mr Irvine has made it quite clear he will step aside in two years it is absolutely imperative that the town of Bedford picks up the baton from him. It would be tragic if all of his hard work and the efforts of many others were to be wasted.

Speaking after the event, Mr Irvine said: “This evening was just the beginning of the future for Bedford Blues and we have had some really positive feedback about how local businesses can become more involved with the rugby club in the coming years.”

Mr Irvine expressed his gratitude to those who had so generously supported the rights issue which currently stands at £100,000 and reiterated that he would honour his pledge to match that amount. Bedford Blues supporters are also reminded that the rights issue is also now open to new subscribers.

“The Blues is a Bedford institution and 14 years ago I fought tooth-and-nail alongside businesses and residents to keep first class rugby in the town and I want to ensure that when I step down in two years time, the club remains in safe hands,” Mr Irvine added.

“We’ve known for a long time that there are people in the town who want to be involved with the club but may not be able to throw themselves into it 100 per cent. By holding this meeting we have been able to talk to these people and look at ways in which we can accommodate them in a manner that would be beneficial to them and the club.

A decision was taken at the meeting to form an advisory group from the persons present to take a look at how the club is run and to assist in creating a strategy for the way forward. Mr Irvine believes that this group could play a vital part in determining the future of the club.

Anybody who would like to be involved in this process should make contact with the club via the website - www.bedfordrugby.co.uk - to express their interest.